California:Here’s One Group of Cops Who Are All in for Marijuana Legalization (Really)

Generally, one of the biggest opponents of marijuana legalization in California is the law enforcement profession — but that’s not without at least one big exception.

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP), which describes itself as “a group of police, judges, prosecutors and other criminal justice professionals advocating for marijuana legalization,” this week endorsed Proposition 64, the effort to legalize recreational cannabis in California.

This isn’t a surprise, given the organization’s record of pro-pot stances. But it’s still cool: These cops are basically saying Smoke ’em if you got ’em.

The November ballot initiative to legal recreational marijuana, backed by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Holmby Hills tech billionaire Sean Parker, would let Californians 21 and older possess up to an ounce of weed. It would tax production and sales at 15 percent. And it would regulate the business along the lines of medical cannabis rules slated to go into effect in 2018.

The California Police Chiefs Association and the California District Attorneys Association, potent groups in Sacramento, are dead against Proposition 64, saying it will expose more children to weed, increase stoned driving and subject communities to a tsunami of pot retailers.